How to Choose an Odoo Implementer (Without Making Mistakes)
Choosing Odoo is important. But choosing who implements it is decisive.
In many projects, success or failure doesn't depend on the software, but on the chosen implementer.
The same tool, with two different implementers, can deliver opposite results.
Why the implementer matters more than the license
Odoo provides the software. The implementer defines:
- How your processes are interpreted
- What gets configured and what doesn't
- What gets developed
- How change is managed
- How the system evolves
Two companies with the same license can end up with completely different ERPs.
The human factor
The software is the same for everyone. The difference is made by who adapts it to your reality.
The partner ranking myth
“If they're the number 1 partner, they must be the best.”
One of the most common mistakes.
- Volume of licenses sold
- Annual growth
- Certifications
- Project complexity
- Functional design quality
- Medium-term stability
- Real client satisfaction
The 4 criteria that actually matter
When evaluating an implementer, focus on these four points.
Real experience
Not just years, but:
- Number of similar projects
- Type of clients
- Problems solved
Specialization
Ask yourself:
- Do they know my industry?
- Do they understand my operations?
- Have they already solved problems like mine?
Team
Beyond the salesperson:
- Who will do the project?
- What roles exist?
- How stable is the team?
Project approach
Observe if they:
- Talk about processes before modules
- Ask uncomfortable questions
- Set limits on scope
- Explain risks
Questions you should be able to answer
After one or two meetings, you should have clear answers to things like:
How do they understand my business?
What do they consider standard and what don't they?
What parts are critical in the project?
What risks do they see?
What will the relationship be like after go-live?
If you can't answer them, you don't have enough information yet.
Common warning signs
Some frequent red flags:
One sign doesn't invalidate. Several together usually anticipate problems.
Common pattern
Red flags usually appear together. If you detect one, look for the others.
Implementer typologies (simplified)
Without naming names, there are usually profiles like:
Very commercial
Good at selling, weak at executing
Very technical
Excellent at developing, weak in business
Generalists
Cover a lot, go deep on little
Specialized
Less volume, more focus
Partner, not supplier
Choosing an implementer is choosing a technology partner, not a one-time supplier.
Thinking medium-term
An ERP doesn't end at go-live.
Ask yourself:
- What will support be like?
- How will improvements be managed?
- What happens if the team changes?
- What dependency will I create?
The best implementer isn't the biggest or the best positioned. It's the one who understands your context and sets limits when needed.
Once you've identified a possible implementer, the next step is knowing what to ask them.